Jonica Booth on the Realness of ‘Rap Sh!t’ [Interview]

In many ways, the plot of Rap Sh!t, about two aspiring female rappers trying to find their way in Miami’s music scene, reflects the story of its actors: Aida Osman, KaMillion, and Jonica Booth.

Jonica Booth plays Chastity, a “pimp” turned manager who also goes by the nickname “The Duke of Miami.” I had the chance to speak with Booth about her role on the new HBO Max series and why it’s such an authentic story.

When she first read the script, Booth was immediately excited to play the role. “When I read the script, I was like ‘ok, this is going to be funny, this is going to be cool,'” Booth began.

She might be new to acting, but Booth’s already made a name for herself in the world of pop culture. She has an active YouTube account where she records fun podcast-like discussions and has also gathered a following on TikTok, a tool she’s using to promote the new show.

Of course, Booth’s not a complete stranger to TV. She appeared as a contestant on the hit reality show Bad Girls Club, going by the name “Blu.”

Booth previously worked a corporate job after playing basketball in college. When I asked why she decided to start acting, Booth responded, “I always felt like I could do it, but acting pretty much fell in my lap.”

“When I decided I really wanted to do this acting thing, I started classes, and I wanted to put the groundwork in. I didn’t want to get auditions because I have a following,” she continued. “I love it because you have to go put the work in.”

While in LA, pursuing acting felt right to Booth, and she worked hard to land this first role. She’s incredibly proud of Rap Sh!t and the impact it can have on TV.

“It’s an honor to be a part of it because I know this is beyond Rap Sh!t; it’s beyond the show. This [series] is something that’s real — that [Issa Rae] is highlighting and bringing to life.”

Rap Sh!t is a comedy, but the show’s core points to the realities of trying to make it as a woman in the rap world, as well as the stereotypes and expectations that come with it. “Yes, it’s a comedy, but there’s a lot of truth to it, and I love that [Issa Rae] is showing how it is for women in the rap game.”

Booth’s experience with different industries and her novelty with acting allows her to relate to her character in Rap Sh!t. She understands and respects Chastity’s life outlook.

“I relate to Chastity because she just wants to be a better version of herself, and so many people try to treat you like where they met you,” she said. “People expect us to stay in one lane with our one life, but if you think about it, we have one life. Why not at least try to do everything that you feel like you’re good at.”

On the show, Chastity’s trying to change the course of her career from “sex work” manager to music management. It’s empowering, alongside the hustle of the main characters, Shawna Clark and Mia Knight.

Booth couldn’t give away too much about what fans can look forward to for the rest of the season, but she hinted at a fabulous scene in an upcoming episode.

“I’m excited for the fans to see Shona and Mia’s first performance — the first gig that Chastity books. I’m excited for you all to see if it goes well or if it doesn’t and how well they do. That’s going to be interesting!”

Regarding Chastity,  Booth said that she’s a surprising character. Chastity hasn’t yet been a large part of the show, but a lot is in store for the hard-working manager.

“She has this tough exterior, and I think that when they get to know her, she cares more than it looks. [On] the outside, she has to be this person, this pimp that she is, and this manager. She’s stern and puts her foot down, and funny and everything, but behind closed doors, I think Chastity has a lot of love to give. I’m excited for the fans to see that side of her.”

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New episodes of Rap Sh!t stream Thursdays on HBO Max.

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